Black Friday

Year after year, stores and shoppers alike become even more crazy about Thanksgiving and Black Friday. Even though my birthday tends to land on Black Friday I still have not jump in line the night before with all the crowds of people, just to get that new Malibu Barbie.  Personally I think Black Friday is taken a little overboard, physically trampling employees trying to get into the doors, opening stores on Thanksgiving, but some people seem to really enjoy the mayhem. One article from Time magazine states: " On the negative side, shoppers spent less than expected; yet on the plus side (in terms of safety and for the sake of humanity), there were fewer shopping-related casualties than there have been in the past." HOLD THE PHONE, Time magazine seems to actually be glad that there was only one death, but bringing this back to reality; why are there any deaths over shopping? I really don't get it.  For the Time article click here 

Not only do advertisements come out in the newspaper but technology has made it much easier to find the best deals and plan out a strategy. Sure I could spend Black Friday in line, battling cougars for the last popcorn maker/ DVR combo, but I would rather spend it on  slopes of Big Sky where I rarely find a line. However, for those crazy focus that think the Black Friday adventure sounds fun here are some tips that can help ensure your survival:

·      Pack supplies- “Black Friday is kinda like Vegas, you never know what’s going to happen”

·      Wear proper shoes- a shopping cart to the foot is a great strategy

·      Check out the adds and deals before- time and effort can be avoided, by shopping for your target item. Also check the store and plan out the more efficient shopping rout.

·      Night Deals­- skip the chaos by snagging deals that begin Thursday night

·      Proof- bring the adds, no store can argue with printed proof

·      Skip the Mall- firstly the mall will be PACKED, secondly retailors may have already put these sales online

 ·     Check the return policy
·      Make sure that it is actually a deal- not all deals are good deal

For the dedicated Black Friday shoppers who wake up far to early, and bundles up in matching team outfits, just to stand out in the dark before your store opens, I commend you. You have chosen to take on the crowds and snag the best deals of the year. But be care and take note of these tips, because “Black Friday is kinda like Vegas, you never know what’s going to happen”.